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69% Critic Match
The Best That Never Was
“He could outrun everything except expectations”
6.9 / 10• 2010• 1h 42m•NR• English
Documentary
Storyline
In 1981, college athletic recruiting changed forever as a dozen big-time football programs sat waiting for the decision by a physically powerful and lightning-quick high school running back named Marcus Dupree. On his way to eclipsing Herschel Walker’s record for the most touchdowns in high school history, Dupree attracted recruiters from schools in every major conference to his hometown of Philadelphia, Miss. More than a decade removed from being a flashpoint in the civil-rights struggle, Philadelphia was once again thrust back into the national spotlight. Dupree took the attention in stride, and committed to Oklahoma. What followed, though, was a forgettable college career littered with conflict, injury and oversized expectations. Eight-time Emmy Award winner Jonathan Hock will examine why this star burned out so young and how he ultimately used football to redeem himself.
Cast & Crew
MD
Marcus Dupree
Self
Lead
Barry Switzer
Self
Peter Jennings
Self (Archive Footage)
Bryant Gumbel
Self (Archive Footage)
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Jonathan Hock's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. The Best That Never Was is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
